Pat the shrimp fully dry before you start. Any surface moisture turns the coating soggy instead of crisp, and shrimp hold a lot of water even after draining.

Set up three shallow bowls: flour mixed with salt and pepper in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with shredded coconut in the third. Hold each shrimp by the tail, dredge it in the flour and shake off the excess, dip it in egg, then press it into the panko-coconut mix so the coating sticks on all sides. Set the coated shrimp on a plate as you go.

Lightly mist the air fryer basket with avocado oil, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer with space between each one. Crowding traps steam and keeps the coating from browning, so work in two batches if your basket is small. Mist the tops of the shrimp lightly with oil too.

Air fryer: 375°F, about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes first. Cook the shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes, flip each one with tongs, then cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crisp. Check the internal temperature of a few shrimp with a food thermometer; shrimp is safe to eat at 145°F, and at that size it usually gets there right around the time the coating browns.

Serve hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips

  • Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined if you can, and keep the tails on for easy dipping and a nicer presentation.
  • Press the coating on firmly rather than sprinkling it over the top; a firm press is what keeps it from falling off in the basket.
  • Don't skip the oil mist on top of the shrimp. The coconut on its own dries out and can scorch before the shrimp finishes cooking.
  • Every air fryer runs a little differently, so check your first batch a minute or two early until you know how your model behaves.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw them fully in the refrigerator or under cold running water first, then pat them dry very well before dredging. Wet shrimp will not hold the coating.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free? It's already dairy-free as written. For gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal in place of regular panko.

Why did some of my coating fall off? Usually the shrimp weren't dry enough before dredging, or the coating wasn't pressed on firmly. A light shake to knock off excess flour before the egg step also helps it stick better.

Do I need to flip the shrimp? Flipping halfway gets both sides evenly golden since air fryers cook mostly from the top. If your basket has a rack that circulates air well underneath, you can get away with a gentler flip, but don't skip it entirely.

What should I serve with coconut shrimp? Sweet chili sauce, a squeeze of lime, or an orange marmalade thinned with a little Dijon mustard all work well as a dip.